(someone) not only (did something), (they)(did something else)

You've probably learned to use "not only ___ but also ___". It's used when:

  • You think something is very good, very bad, very easy/difficult/big/small/interesting/boring/etc.
  • There's also another thing, which is also good/bad/easy/difficult/etc.
  • When you add the 2nd thing to the 1st thing, it's unbelievable.

In real English conversation and writing, people don't always include "but also". Sometimes they use "too":

I not only fixed it, I cleaned it up too.

Or you can use "even":

She not only didn't show up, she didn't even call or send a text.

Or you can just say the 2nd thing without any connecting words, like in the example at the top.

This phrase appears in these lessons: